Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gavin Newsom
Discover the career path of Gavin Newsom, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman, currently serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019. A Democrat, he previously held the position of the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019. Prior to his statewide roles, Newsom was the 42nd mayor of San Francisco, serving from 2004 to 2011. His career reflects a consistent involvement in California politics, progressing from local to state-level leadership.
1978: Capital punishment spending statistics
In 2012, Newsom supported a failed measure to end capital punishment, citing that California had spent $5 billion since 1978 to execute just 13 people.
May 14, 1991: Creation of PlumpJack Associates L.P.
On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and a group of investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P.
1992: Starting the PlumpJack Winery
In 1992, Gavin Newsom and his partners started the PlumpJack Winery with financial help from Gordon Getty.
1993: Opening of PlumpJack Café
In 1993, The PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street.
1994: Opening of PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with PlumpJack Café
In 1994, Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café.
1995: Volunteering for Willie Brown's Mayoral Campaign
In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor, hosting a private fundraiser at his PlumpJack Café.
1995: Opening of winery and Balboa Café Bar and Grill
In 1995, Newsom and his investors opened a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill.
1996: Appointment to Parking and Traffic Commission
In 1996, Gavin Newsom began his political career when San Francisco mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission.
1996: Establishment of PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
In 1996, Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
1997: Appointment to San Francisco Board of Supervisors
In 1997, Willie Brown appointed Gavin Newsom to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley.
1998: Election to Four-Year Term on the Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: Election to the Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was first elected to the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco after being appointed to fill a vacancy the previous year.
1998: Opening of MatrixFillmore Bar
In 1998, Newsom and his investors opened the MatrixFillmore Bar.
1998: Endorsement by Rescue Muni
In his 1998 reelection campaign for San Francisco Supervisor, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group.
November 1999: Approval of Transit Measure
In November 1999, a version of a transit measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom from Rescue Muni was approved by voters.
1999: Opening of PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch
In 1999, Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch.
2000: Political Attacks and Contributions
In 2000, Gavin Newsom faced attacks related to his $500 contribution to a Republican slate mailer that endorsed issues he supported, during a partisan election cycle. He was also attacked due to his support of Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential election
2000: Re-election to the Board of Supervisors
In 2000, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, representing the second district. He also paid $500 to appear on the San Francisco Republican Party's endorsement slate.
2000: Opening of PlumpJackSport and second Balboa Café
In 2000, Newsom and his investors opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley.
2000: Violating State Law by Issuing Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples
In 2000, Newsom directed the San Francisco city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, violating a state law passed in 2000.
2001: Annual Income
From 1996 to 2001, Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.
2002: Re-election to represent the second district
In 2002, Gavin Newsom was reelected to represent the second district, which includes Pacific Heights, the Marina, Cow Hollow, Sea Cliff, and Laurel Heights, which had San Francisco's highest income level and highest Republican registration.
2002: Valuation of Business Holdings
In 2002, Newsom's business holdings were valued at more than $6.9 million.
November 4, 2003: First Place in General Election
On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom secured first place in the San Francisco mayoral general election with 41.9% of the vote, leading a field of nine candidates. He proceeded to a runoff election against Green Party candidate Matt Gonzalez.
2003: Election as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco.
2003: Mayoral Candidacy
In 2003, as a candidate for mayor, Gavin Newsom supported building 10,000 new housing units to create 15,000 new construction jobs.
January 8, 2004: Sworn in as Mayor of San Francisco
On January 8, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the Mayor of San Francisco. He called for political unity and pledged to address public schools, potholes, and affordable housing issues. He presented himself as a leader ready to solve tough problems.
July 1, 2004: Implementation of Care Not Cash
On July 1, 2004, Gavin Newsom's "Care Not Cash" initiative began implementation, providing 5,000 more homeless individuals with permanent shelter in San Francisco.
August 2004: Same-Sex Marriages Annulled
In August 2004, the Supreme Court of California annulled the same-sex marriages Gavin Newsom had authorized, citing conflict with state law. However, Newsom's actions brought national attention to the issue.
October 27, 2004: Support for Hotel Workers' Strike
On October 27, 2004, Gavin Newsom joined UNITE HERE union members on a picket line in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel during a strike by hotel workers. He vowed the city would boycott the hotels until they agreed to a contract with workers.
2004: Sale of San Francisco Businesses
In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor.
2005: Push for State Dog Breed Law
In 2005, Gavin Newsom advocated for a state law that would allow California communities to create policies restricting certain breeds of dogs.
September 2006: Resolution of Hotel Workers' Contract Dispute
In September 2006, the contract dispute with hotel workers, which Gavin Newsom had supported, was settled.
January 31, 2007: Alex Tourk Resigns After Affair Revelation
On January 31, 2007, Alex Tourk, Gavin Newsom's friend and campaign manager, resigned after learning from his wife, Ruby Rippey-Tourk, about her affair with Newsom in 2005.
August 10, 2007: Filing Deadline for Mayoral Election
On August 10, 2007, the filing deadline passed for candidates to run against Gavin Newsom in the San Francisco mayoral election. Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi and Chris Daly considered running, but both declined, as did Gonzalez.
August 2007: Re-election Campaign
In August 2007, it was declared that Gavin Newsom faced no serious threat to his re-election bid, having raised $1.6 million for his re-election campaign by early August.
2007: Homelessness Program Success
By 2007, approximately 2,000 homeless people had been placed into permanent housing with support, as part of Gavin Newsom's initiatives to end chronic homelessness in San Francisco.
2007: Earnings from Business Interests
In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests.
2007: Healthy San Francisco Law
In 2007, Gavin Newsom signed the law establishing Healthy San Francisco, making San Francisco the first city in the nation to provide universal health care to its residents.
2007: Re-election as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2007, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the mayor of San Francisco.
2008: Opposition to Proposition 8
During the 2008 election, Gavin Newsom opposed Proposition 8, the ballot initiative to reverse the California Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. Some observers suggested that his comments in a commercial inadvertently contributed to the amendment's passage.
2008: Urban-Rural Roundtable
In 2008, Gavin Newsom hosted the Urban-Rural Roundtable to explore ways to promote regional food development and increase access to healthy, affordable food. He also secured $8 million for the Better Streets program.
2008: Evaluation of Care Not Cash Program
In 2008, a city audit evaluated the Care Not Cash program, Gavin Newsom's signature achievement as a supervisor, as largely successful for lowering average cash payments per person.
April 21, 2009: Newsom Announces Candidacy for Governor
On April 21, 2009, Gavin Newsom announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2010 election and named state senator Alex Padilla to chair his campaign.
2009: Criticism for Sanctuary City Rule Implementation
In 2009, Gavin Newsom faced criticism from the San Francisco Democratic Party for not implementing the City of San Francisco's sanctuary city rule.
February 2010: Filed Paperwork for Lieutenant Governor
In February 2010, Gavin Newsom officially announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of California.
2010: Election as Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
2010: America's Most Social Mayor
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was named "America's Most Social Mayor" by Same Point, based on an analysis of the social media profiles of mayors from the 100 largest U.S. cities.
January 10, 2011: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 10, 2011, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of California, serving under Governor Jerry Brown.
May 2012: The Gavin Newsom Show and Criticism for Sacramento Comments
In May 2012, Gavin Newsom began hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" on Current TV. In the same month, he received criticism for calling Sacramento "dull" and implying he rarely needed to be there.
2012: Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show"
From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show".
2012: Supported Failed Measure to End Capital Punishment
In 2012, Gavin Newsom supported a failed measure that sought to end capital punishment in California, citing the high cost of executions.
February 7, 2013: Release of "Citizenville" Book
On February 7, 2013, Gavin Newsom released his book, "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government," which discusses the Gov 2.0 movement.
2013: Convened Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy
In 2013, Gavin Newsom convened the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy with the American Civil Liberties Union of California.
2013: Publication of "Citizenville"
In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville", which focuses on using digital tools for democratic change.
November 4, 2014: Re-elected as Lieutenant Governor
On November 4, 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor of California, defeating Republican Ron Nehring with 57.2% of the vote.
2014: Re-election as Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
January 5, 2015: Began Second Term as Lieutenant Governor
On January 5, 2015, Gavin Newsom began his second term as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
February 11, 2015: Newsom Opens Campaign Account for Governor
On February 11, 2015, Gavin Newsom announced that he was opening a campaign account for governor in the 2018 elections, allowing him to raise funds for a campaign to succeed Brown as governor of California.
July 2015: Release of Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy Report
In July 2015, Gavin Newsom released the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's final report, which offered recommendations to regulate cannabis and inform a legalization measure.
November 2015: Called for Creation of California College Promise
In November 2015, Gavin Newsom joined Eloy Oakley in calling for the creation of the California College Promise, which would create partnerships between public schools, public universities, and employers and offer a free community college education.
December 2015: Called for Computer Science Reclassification
In December 2015, Gavin Newsom advocated for the University of California to reclassify computer science courses as a core academic subject to encourage more high schools to offer computer science curricula.
2015: Partnership for Digital Democracy Tool
In 2015, Gavin Newsom partnered with the Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy at California Polytechnic State University to launch Digital Democracy, an online tool that enables users to navigate California legislative proceedings using facial and voice recognition.
June 2016: Secured Funding for Promise Programs
In June 2016, Gavin Newsom helped secure $15 million in the state budget to support the creation of promise programs throughout California.
September 2016: Sponsored Legislation to Expand Computer Science Education
In September 2016, Gavin Newsom sponsored successful legislation, signed by Governor Brown, that initiated the planning process for expanding computer science education to all California students, beginning as early as kindergarten.
November 2016: Supported Proposition 64 to Legalize Cannabis
In November 2016, Gavin Newsom supported Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis use and cultivation for California state residents aged 21 or older.
2016: Supported Proposition 62 to Repeal Death Penalty
In 2016, Gavin Newsom supported Proposition 62, which aimed to repeal the death penalty in California. He argued against racial disparities and the immorality of capital punishment. However, Proposition 62 failed.
February 24, 2017: Letter to Trump Administration on Cannabis Enforcement
On February 24, 2017, Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump, urging them not to increase federal enforcement against recreational cannabis firms in California and differentiating cannabis from opioids.
June 5, 2018: Newsom Finished Top Two in Primary
On June 5, 2018, Gavin Newsom finished in the top two in the nonpartisan blanket primary.
2018: Election as Governor of California
In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the governor of California.
January 7, 2019: Newsom Sworn In as Governor
On January 7, 2019, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as governor of California.
January 2019: Threat to Withhold State Funding and Lawsuit Against Huntington Beach
In late January 2019, Gavin Newsom announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing after threatening to withhold state funding for infrastructure to communities that failed to take actions to alleviate California's housing shortage in his first week of office.
February 2019: State of the State Address: Central Valley Segment to Continue, Rest Postponed
In his February 2019 State of the State address, Gavin Newsom announced that, while work would continue on the 171-mile (275 km) Central Valley segment from Bakersfield to Merced, the rest of the system would be indefinitely postponed, citing cost overruns and delays.
March 13, 2019: Newsom Declares Moratorium on Death Penalty
On March 13, 2019, Governor Newsom declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty, preventing any executions in California while he remains governor. The move also led to the withdrawal of the state's current lethal injection protocol and the execution chamber's closure at San Quentin State Prison.
May 2019: Newsom Pardoned Formerly Incarcerated People
In May 2019, Newsom pardoned seven formerly incarcerated people, including two Cambodian refugees facing deportation.
June 2019: Medi-Cal Eligibility Expanded to Undocumented Young Adults
In June 2019, the budget passed expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.
June 2019: Apology for Genocide of Native Americans
In a speech before representatives of Native Americans in June 2019, Gavin Newsom apologized for the genocide of Native Americans approved and abetted by the California state government upon statehood in the 19th century.
September 2019: Newsom Vetoes SB 1
In September 2019, Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 1, a bill that would have preserved environmental protections at the state level that were set to roll back nationally under the Trump administration's environmental policy.
November 2019: Newsom Imposes Moratorium on Fracking
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom imposed a moratorium on approval of new hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling in California until permits could be reviewed by an independent panel of scientists.
November 2019: Newsom Pardoned Men Facing Deportation
In November 2019, Newsom pardoned three men who were attempting to avoid being deported to Cambodia or Vietnam. They had separately committed crimes when they were each 19 years old.
December 2019: Newsom Granted Parole to Cambodian Refugee
In December 2019, Newsom granted parole to a Cambodian refugee who had been held in a California prison due to a murder case.
2019: Newsom Calls for National Background Checks
In 2019, Gavin Newsom called for nationwide background checks on people purchasing ammunition in response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach and supported national cooperation controlling "weapons of goddamned mass destruction" in response to the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting.
2019: Signed California Assembly Bill 5
In 2019, Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 5.
2019: Amendment Signed to California End of Life Option Act
In 2019, Gavin Newsom signed an amendment to the California End of Life Option Act that reduced the waiting period for a physician-assisted suicide from 15 days to 48 hours and eliminated a requirement for a formal written declaration of intent at the end of the process.
February 2020: Newsom Administration Sues Federal Agencies
In February 2020, Newsom's administration sued federal agencies over rollbacks to protect imperiled fish in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in 2019.
March 22, 2020: Newsom Declares State of Emergency
On March 22, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California due to a mass die-off of trees, increasing the risk of wildfires, in preparation for the 2020 wildfire season.
April 2020: State Agencies Resume Issuing Fracking Permits
In April 2020, state agencies resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits in California after Newsom's administration had imposed a moratorium in November 2019.
August 2020: Newsom Addresses Democratic National Convention
In August 2020, Gavin Newsom addressed the 2020 Democratic National Convention. His speech mentioned climate change and the wildfires prevalent in California at the time.
September 23, 2020: Newsom Signs Executive Order to Phase Out Gasoline-Powered Vehicles
On September 23, 2020, Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to phase out sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and require all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035. He also signed bills with an environmental focus, including a commission to study lithium extraction around the Salton Sea.
2020: Homelessness as Top Priority
A poll found that California voters thought the most important issue for Gavin Newsom and the state legislature to work on in 2020 was homelessness.
2020: Newsom Used Executive Orders
During the 2020 legislative session, Gavin Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders.
April 2021: Newsom Commits to Ending Gas Lease Sales and Oil Extraction
In April 2021, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045.
June 10, 2021: Newsom Responds to Assault Weapon Ruling
On June 10, 2021, Gavin Newsom criticized federal Judge Roger Benitez after he struck down California's ban on assault weapons and proposed legislation empowering private citizens to enforce the ban.
September 14, 2021: California Recall Election Held
On September 14, 2021, the California recall election was held, and Newsom remained in office with only 38% voting to recall him.
September 2021: Legislation Signed Raising Minimum Age to Become a Police Officer
In September 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer from 18 to 21. Also in the bills were restrictions on the use of tear gas and a ban on police departments employing officers after misconduct or crimes. Among the bills was the George Floyd Bill, requiring officers to intervene when witnessing excessive force on the part of another officer.
October 2021: Newsom Proposes Buffer Between Extraction Sites and Populated Areas
In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas.
December 2021: Newsom Announces California as Abortion "Sanctuary"
In December 2021, Gavin Newsom announced his intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion, which included the possibility of paying for abortion procedures, travel, and lodging for out-of-state abortion seekers if the procedure was banned in Republican-led states.
2021: Bills Signed Making Housing Zoning Regulations Less Restrictive
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in lots that were previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Newsom also signed a bill which expedites the environmental review process for new multifamily developments worth at least $15,000,000. To participate, developers must apply directly through the governor's office.
2021: Medi-Cal Eligibility Expanded to Undocumented Residents Over 50
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50.
January 13, 2022: Newsom Denies Parole to Sirhan Sirhan
On January 13, 2022, Gavin Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, Robert F. Kennedy's assassin, after serving 53 years in prison.
January 2022: Newsom Directed Dismantling Death Row in San Quentin
In January 2022, Gavin Newsom directed the state to begin dismantling its death row in San Quentin, to be transformed into a "space for rehabilitation programs", as all the condemned inmates were moving to other prisons that have maximum security facilities.
March 2022: Bill Signed Requiring Full Abortion Coverage
In March 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in California to fully cover abortion procedures by eliminating associated co-pays and deductibles and increasing insurance premiums.
June 30, 2022: $307.9 Billion State Budget Signed, Expanding Medi-Cal Eligibility
On June 30, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that "pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024 regardless of their immigration status," making California the first U.S. state to guarantee healthcare to all low-income undocumented immigrants, at a cost of $2.7 billion per year.
July 6, 2022: Senate Bill 184 Signed into Law
On July 6, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 184, which established the Office of Health Care Affordability, with the stated goal to "develop data-informed policies and enforceable cost targets, with the ultimate goal of containing health care costs".
August 2022: Newsom Vetoes Senate Bill 57
In August 2022, Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 57, which sought to authorize jurisdictions to approve supervised injection sites. Newsom also signed The Zacky Bill.
September 2022: Newsom Proposes Windfall Profits Tax
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies, attributing high gas prices in California to corporate greed and price gouging.
September 2022: California Becomes First Sanctuary State for Transgender Youth
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 107 into law, making California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth.
2022: Declaration Against NIMBYism
In 2022, Gavin Newsom declared that "NIMBYism is destroying the state", opposing NIMBY (not-in-my-back-yard) sentiment.
2022: 39 Bills Signed to Address California's Housing Crisis
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed 39 bills into law intended to address California's housing crisis, three of which entailed major land use reform, including eliminating minimum parking requirements for housing near mass transit stations, allowing developers to build housing on some lots previously zoned exclusively for commercial use without getting local governments' permission if a certain percentage of the housing was affordable, and allowing for the construction of market-rate housing on some lots previously zoned exclusively for commercial use.
2022: Signed California Assembly Bill 2097
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 2097
2022: Signed the California FAST Recovery Act
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed the California FAST Recovery Act.
2022: Newsom Elected to Second Term
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was elected to a second term as governor, defeating Republican Brian Dahle.
2022: Re-election as Governor of California
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the governor of California.
2022: Criticism for Walking Back Support for Universal Health Care
In early 2022, Gavin Newsom was criticized for walking back his support for universal health care and not supporting CalCare, Assembly Bill 1400, which would have instituted single-payer healthcare in California. Critics suggested that opposition from business interests had swayed his opinion.
February 2023: Newsom Organizes Reproductive Freedom Alliance
In February 2023, Gavin Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.
March 2023: Newsom Announces End to Business with Walgreens
In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would refuse to dispense abortion pills in states where it is illegal, Gavin Newsom tweeted that California would no longer do business with Walgreens and considered cancelling their $54 million contract with the California state prison system, as well as Walgreens' $1.5 billion contract for filling prescriptions for the state's Medi-Cal program.
March 28, 2023: Newsom Signs Law on Oil Company Profit Penalties
On March 28, 2023, Gavin Newsom signed a law authorizing the California Energy Commission to set a profit threshold for oil companies, requiring them to report additional profit data, and creating a division to investigate price gouging in the gasoline industry.
June 8, 2023: Newsom Proposes 28th Amendment
On June 8, 2023, Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks, mandate waiting periods, and ban assault weapons for civilians. Law professor Erwin Chemerinsky criticized the idea.
June 2023: Official State Proclamation for Pride Month and Other Actions
In June 2023, Gavin Newsom issued an official state proclamation for Pride Month, issued a fine of $1.5 million to a school district whose board rejected a curriculum including a biography of gay rights leader Harvey Milk, and signed a bill prohibiting schools from banning textbooks based on their inclusion of references to people from minority groups or the LGBT community.
October 2023: Week-Long Trip to China
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom took a week-long trip to China. It began in Hong Kong, where he attended a discussion at the University of Hong Kong about climate change. He then traveled to Beijing, where he met with Chinese president Xi Jinping, discussing issues including climate change, trade relations, and the response to fentanyl production. The visit also included stops in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. Newsom called for better relations between the U.S. and China during the trip, saying "divorce is not an option" for the two countries.
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Assembly Bill 1248
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1248, which aimed to require independent redistricting.
October 2023: Veto of Bill Banning Discrimination Based on Caste
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to ban discrimination based on caste, calling it "unnecessary" and adding that California "already prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics, and state law specifies that these civil rights protections shall be liberally construed."
October 2023: Newsom Vetoes Bill to Cap Insulin Co-Pays
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to cap co-pays for insulin at $35.
October 2023: Vetoed Bills Related to Labor and Employment
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to provide unemployment insurance to striking workers, citing excess burden on the state's unemployment system. He also vetoed a bill to expand the mandatory warning given to employees soon to be laid off from 60 days to 75, extend the same protections to long-term contract workers, and prohibit employers from making laid-off employees sign nondisclosure agreements in order to receive severance.
October 2023: Veto of Bills Expanding Housing Assistance
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed several bills aimed at expanding access to housing assistance including the California Social Housing Act. One was a bill to repurpose unused state-owned land for affordable housing, which he said infringed on state sovereignty. Another would have expanded the number of people who qualify for state housing assistance. A third would have mandated that Medi-Cal cover the cost of housing assistance.
November 2023: Newsom and DeSantis Debate on Fox News
In November 2023, Gavin Newsom debated Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with Sean Hannity of Fox News moderating the discussion.
February 2024: Newsom Pushed for Panera Bread Exemption
In February 2024, Bloomberg News reported that Newsom pushed for an exemption for businesses that bake and sell bread, including Panera Bread bakery-cafes owned by Greg Flynn, in AB 1228, a bill raising the state's minimum wage for fast food workers.
July 2024: Newsom Launches Politickin' Podcast
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast called Politickin', co-hosted by Marshawn Lynch and Doug Hendrickson. After Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race that month, Newsom endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
July 2024: "SAFETY Act" Signed into Law
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom signed the "SAFETY Act", which prohibits schools from outing students' gender identity to their parents without the students' consent.
August 2024: Warning to Counties Regarding Homeless Encampments
In August 2024, Gavin Newsom warned counties that did not remove their homeless encampments that failure to do so would result in their state funding being cut off the next year. He issued this warning after personally visiting and clearing out a Los Angeles homeless encampment without notifying the city beforehand.
September 2024: Newsom Signs AB 3206
In September 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3206 into law, carving out an exception to the state's last call alcohol law for Intuit Dome, owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Ethics experts criticized the bill due to a donation from Balmer's wife, Connie Ballmer, to Newsom's campaign in 2021.
October 2024: California Racial Mascots Act Signed
In October 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", which prohibits K-12 schools not run by recognized Native American tribes from using "derogatory" names or mascots.
2024: Ending Gas Lease Sales
By 2024, Gavin Newsom has committed to ending the sale of gas leases.
2024: Veto of SB 1299
In 2024, Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 1299, which "would have required workers' comp judges to presume farmworkers who claim heat illness developed it at work".
2024: Low-income Adults Eligible for Medicaid Program
The $307.9 billion budget signed on June 30, 2022 pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024 regardless of their immigration status.
June 2025: Newsom signs California Assembly Bill 130 (2025) into law
In June 2025, Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 130 (2025) into law.
July 2025: Remarks in South Carolina
In July 2025, while visiting South Carolina, Gavin Newsom stated that he has often taken independent positions, despite his views aligning with his party, and that he was once considered "the conservative mayor" of San Francisco.
August 2025: Newsom imitates Trump's Communication Style
In August 2025, Gavin Newsom started using social media platforms with a communication style resembling that of Donald Trump's online presence.
September 2025: Veto of Assembly Bill 1840
In September 2025, Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1840 which sought to prohibit the disqualification of applicants to California Housing Finance Agency home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status.
October 2025: Newsom Vetoes Senate Bill 682 and Assembly Bill 93
In October 2025, Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 682, which sought to limit forever chemicals, and Assembly Bill 93, which sought to require data centers to report their water use.
2025: Hosting the Podcast "This Is Gavin Newsom" and overseeing the passage of California Proposition 50
In 2025, Gavin Newsom began hosting a podcast, "This Is Gavin Newsom", and oversaw the passage of California Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, in a referendum to amend the State Constitution.
2025: Restricted New Enrollment of Undocumented Immigrants in Medi-Cal
In 2025, Gavin Newsom signed a budget that restricted new enrollment of undocumented immigrants in Medi-Cal. Newsom signed the California Senate Bill 41 (2025) but vetoed other measures to regulate pharmacy benefit managers.
2025: Amendment Signed Eliminating Sunset Clause in End of Life Option Act
In 2025, Gavin Newsom signed another amendment that eliminated a sunset clause in the California End of Life Option Act, making assisted suicide legal in California indefinitely.
January 2026: Speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos
In January 2026, Gavin Newsom traveled to Davos to speak at the World Economic Forum. The Trump administration tried to prevent him from speaking at and attending the forum. Newsom touted the 2.5 million zero-emission electric vehicles California purchased for residents to buy. He said California had resisted Trump's anti-clean energy agenda and was a counterweight to Washington DC in terms of economic progress and stopping climate change.
February 2026: Newsom releases memoir: Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery
In February 2026, Gavin Newsom released his memoir titled "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery", a book about his family and early life.
2035: Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate
By 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission as mandated by an executive order signed by Newsom on September 23, 2020.
2045: Ending Oil Extraction
By 2045, Gavin Newsom has committed to ending oil extraction.
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